L'Emplette Inutile 1760 - 1792

Nicolas de Launay created this engraving, *L'Emplette Inutile*, meaning "The Useless Purchase," in France during the late 18th century, a period defined by aristocratic excess and growing social inequality. Here we see a finely dressed woman purchasing flowers from two peasant women. One woman is sitting, she appears weary and the other is fast asleep. There is an undeniable contrast between the refined lady and the working women. The title, "The Useless Purchase", may be a commentary on the frivolity of the upper class. Why buy flowers when you can pick your own? The woman in the center almost seems to look down on the peasant women, this might represent the power dynamics of the time. The engraving subtly critiques the social disparities between the aristocracy and the working class during this era. Reflecting on this, we can question whether the 'useless purchase' is the flowers themselves or the disconnect between the social classes it represents.